XRMON-GF

An experiment module, and part of the MASER-12 Rocket for microstructural formation experiments in metal alloys under micro-gravity, using a small furnace and an x-ray camera. Ordered through European Space Agency by researchers from Aix-Marseille Université, operated by Swedish Space Corporation

What is an Experiment rocket?

It's a vertical stack of some high-end experiment modules, designed to fit in a 17 inch cylinder to form a rocket. In case of Maser-12, these experiments took place under micro-gravity, meaning a launch to 250 KM, where during an 8-minute window, all tests are performed and further analyzed after landing. This video from Maser-14 explains this procedure very well:

My Contribution

As a consultant at Prevas AB, I was contracted by SSC 2011-2013 in two sessions. First session was the launch campaign itself at Esrange space center near Kiruna, Sweden and the second session was the integration of XRMON-GF as a rack for zero-G Novespace flights.

Session I: Prepare the hardware for coming launch campaign, mechanical test preparations, necessary documentations and to make sure the module cooling system was operating correctly. After a successful campaing I finished with the design and assembly of a stationary XRMON-GF module and a cooling loop analysis of the air-borne XRMON-GF.

MASER-12 Campaign

A 2-week campaign with assemblies, pre-launch tests, preparations, documentations and final fixes

• Analysis of Rocket cylindricity for making it match required tolerances
• Optimizing the chiller of XRMON-GF
• Positioning the sample melting oven
• Working in -35°C :)

Stationary XRMON-GF

This module was designed to perform the same experiment as in the rocket, but with presence of gravity and less need for cooling due to an open environment.

• Managed x-ray shielding
• Performed both design and assembly of device
• Hands-on workshop fixes and detail manufacturing

Cooling loop analysis

Finished Session I with a cooling loop calculation of XRMON-GF for estimation of friction losses in module tubes and connections.

Session II: Design and assembly of two racks; XRMON-GF rack and Control unit rack for zero-G Novespace parabolic flights. In this case, microgravity is present for just about 20 seconds, but for many times...here's how it works:

Zero-G flight XRMON-GF

Together with a college at SSC, we designed and assembled these racks for installation in an Airbus for parabolic flights. Once again we designed under guidance and supervision from European Space Agency for the research team from Aix-Marseille Université.

• X-ray shielding
• Rack design for high G-forces
• Hands-on workshop manufacturing

Racks and installation in Novespace Airbus